UK: Contractor Willmott Dixon has started work on a £43 million retirement living community in Chertsey, Surrey, for Rangeford Villages.
Octopus Real Estate joined Willmott Dixon and Rangeford Villages at a project start event on the 4.7-acre brownfield site that will be transformed into a retirement living community for the over 60s called Homewood Grove.
Homewood Grove will comprise 116 one-three bed apartments, along with community facilities for residents that include a wellbeing centre, a gym, dance studio, bistro and bar/coffee shop, a members lounge, village hall, activities room and a hair and beauty salon.
Each apartment will feature underfloor heating, double-glazed picture windows and an all-electric energy system to help lower bills and reduce the environmental impact.
Other electric initiatives include photovoltaic array to the flat roof, air source heat pumps for the swimming pool, electric car charging points, electric pool car as well as communal transport will all be available for residents’ use.
Howard Nankivell, chief executive officer at Rangeford Villages said: “In line with high regional demand for quality, eco-friendly living solutions for the over 60s, we are delighted to have commenced construction and be working with Willmott Dixon as our main contractor for the project. Developments such as Homewood Grove form a crucial part of our future housing provision in the UK and our teams are looking forward to establishing Homewood Grove as an exciting addition to the local community.”
Richard Poulter, managing director from Willmott Dixon’s Central South region added: “We are delighted to have started this prestigious project, which will create a welcoming place for Rangeford Villages’ residents to enjoy their later years. Through the programme, we will be delivering a wide range of community initiatives, and that includes supporting apprenticeships and work experience placements, while our social value team will be interacting with local schools to showcase the career opportunities the construction industry creates.”
The integrated retirement living community is due to complete in Spring 2024.